Your message of love can be seen on a bean when it sprouts from the colorful “Message Bean” can. Pop the top, add water and place on a sunny sill. In a week or two, the plant will sprout with “I Love You” printed on the seed pod. Available from Signals, the Message Bean (No. HB3453) is $12.95, or buy two or more for $10.95 each. Call (800) 669-9696 or visit http://www.signals.com.

With impressive lilac pink blossoms on ultra-strong stems, the dahlia “Prospero” will reign in the garden or in cut arrangements. Gold-at-bloom center adds a magical glow. From Van

Bourgondien, in large No. 1 size clumps, the Karma Dahlia Prospero (No 60735) is $6.99 for one, or order three for $6.33 each or six for $5.99 each. Call (800) 622-9997 or visit http://www.dutchbulbs.com.

Classic but carefree

Wicker’s timeless appeal is enhanced when its look is created in weatherproof resin. Charleston Gardens’ classic gliders (pictured) have seat cushions covered in windowpane Sunbrella fabric. Available in black, white or natural, the double glider (No. 9085) is $1,495; the glider chair (No. 9086) is $925. Call (800) 469-0118 or visit

www.charlestongardens.com.

Poseur pepper

It looks just like a beefsteak tomato, but “Pomodoro” is a crisp, sweet pepper that is delicious eaten fresh or stuffed and baked. Each pepper is about 4 inches across. The Cook’s Garden is selling a packet of 25 Pomodoro Pepper seeds (No. 308) for $4.25. Call (800) 457-9703 or visit

(Click here if you are unable to view this photo gallery on your mobile device) The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek celebrates the life of its founder Ruth Bancroft who died at 109 on November 26, 2017. The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a nonprofit public dry garden that was planted by Mrs. Ruth Bancroft in 1972 and was opened to the...